
Heinemans Winery
Explore Ohio's oldest winery and the world's largest geode, offering a unique blend of natural wonder and island history.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Heinemans Winery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Ohio's oldest winery and the world's largest geode, offering a unique blend of natural wonder and island history.
"A must-do on Put-in-Bay, combining a stunning geode cave with a historic winery tour and tasting!"

🎟️ Combo Ticket Value
The $14 ticket covers both the Crystal Cave and winery tour, including a tasting. Great value for a unique experience!
🚗 Ferry Planning
Book ferry tickets in advance, especially for weekends. Lines can be long, so factor this into your travel time.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Crystal Cave
Heineman's Winery
Explore the world's largest geode, adorned with crystals up to 18 inches long. A truly unique natural wonder.

Winery Tour & Tasting
Heineman's Winery
Discover the winemaking process at Ohio's oldest family-owned winery, followed by a delightful tasting.

Grape Juice Tasting
Heineman's Winery
Enjoy a sample of their famous grape juice, a hit with all ages, perfect for a refreshing island treat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Crystal Cave & Winery Combo
Put-in-Bay Island Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Combo Ticket Value
The $14 ticket covers both the Crystal Cave and winery tour, including a tasting. Great value for a unique experience!
🚗 Ferry Planning
Book ferry tickets in advance, especially for weekends. Lines can be long, so factor this into your travel time.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Put-in-Bay can get hot, especially in summer. Bring water bottles and stay hydrated, particularly before or after your tours.
👨👩👧 Family Friendly
The Crystal Cave and grape juice tasting are big hits with kids. A fun and educational outing for the whole family.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Combo Ticket Value
The $14 ticket covers both the Crystal Cave and winery tour, including a tasting. Great value for a unique experience!
🚗 Ferry Planning
Book ferry tickets in advance, especially for weekends. Lines can be long, so factor this into your travel time.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Put-in-Bay can get hot, especially in summer. Bring water bottles and stay hydrated, particularly before or after your tours.
👨👩👧 Family Friendly
The Crystal Cave and grape juice tasting are big hits with kids. A fun and educational outing for the whole family.
🍇 Grape Juice Online
Can't make it to the island? Heineman's grape juice is available online, though often with a minimum purchase.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the unique combination of the stunning Crystal Cave and the historical winery tour, highlighting the excellent value of the combined ticket. While some find the wine itself to be just 'okay,' the overall experience is described as fun, educational, and a must-do on Put-in-Bay, especially for families.
"The wine was very good and the crystal cave was super interesting! Definitely a good recommend"
Gretchell Herman
"Unique destination! The cave is one of a kind. The wine was just okay. Friendly staff. Very reasonable prices in the gift shop."
Heather Koenig
"The 2 quick tours were $14 for both. They don’t sell the tours separately. First check out the world’s largest geode-very cool. Then have a look at how wine is made. Lastly, enjoy a cup of either wine or grape juice with your ticket. Fun experience for the whole family. I would bring my kids here to check this out."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Heineman's Winery is located on South Bass Island (Put-in-Bay). You'll need to take a ferry from the mainland (e.g., Port Clinton, Catawba, Sandusky). The ferry ride itself is scenic and part of the island experience.
The main ferry services are Miller Ferry and Jet Express. Miller Ferry is generally more affordable and accommodates vehicles, while Jet Express is faster and passenger-only, often docking closer to the main town.
Once on the island, you can rent golf carts, bicycles, or use the local taxi services. Heineman's Winery is within walking distance of the main ferry docks for many visitors.
Limited parking is available at the winery, but it can fill up quickly. Many visitors arrive via golf cart rental or on foot from the ferry docks.
Yes, you can bring your car on the Miller Ferry, but be aware that parking on the island can be challenging and expensive. Renting a golf cart is a popular alternative.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The standard ticket price (around $14) typically includes admission to the Crystal Cave, a tour of the winery facilities, and a tasting of either wine or grape juice.
Currently, tours are offered as a combined package. You cannot purchase separate tickets for just the Crystal Cave or just the winery tour.
Hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date operating hours, especially outside of peak summer season.
While not always required, booking in advance is recommended, especially during busy weekends or holidays, to secure your spot and avoid potential sell-outs.
The combined tour is generally considered family-friendly and reasonably priced. Specific discounts may be available, so it's worth inquiring directly with the winery.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Crystal Cave is a natural geode discovered in 1897. It's filled with large celestite crystals, some up to 18 inches long, making it a visually stunning and unique geological formation.
The tour provides a behind-the-scenes look at how Heineman's Winery produces its wines and grape juice. You'll learn about the process from grape to bottle.
They offer a variety of wines, including popular island favorites like Pink Catawba. Tastings allow you to sample different varieties to find your preference.
Yes, your ticket typically includes a tasting of either wine or their famous grape juice. It's a great way to sample their products after the tour.
The Crystal Cave tour involves walking and standing. While not overly strenuous, it's advisable to wear comfortable shoes. The winery tour is also primarily walking.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Heineman's Winery focuses on wine and grape juice production and tastings. While they may offer some light snacks, they do not have a full-service restaurant. There are many dining options available in Put-in-Bay.
Absolutely! You can purchase bottles of wine and their renowned grape juice from the gift shop to enjoy later or take home as souvenirs.
Yes, Put-in-Bay has numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars offering a wide range of cuisines, from casual island fare to more upscale dining.
Heineman's is particularly famous for its Concord grape juice, which is a non-alcoholic option enjoyed by visitors of all ages. It's often part of the tasting experience.
While there might be designated areas, it's best to check with the winery directly regarding their policy on outside food and picnics. Many visitors enjoy dining at nearby establishments.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the Crystal Cave, but be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash if it disturbs others or the delicate crystals.
Capture the stunning crystal formations in the cave, the wine barrels and production areas during the winery tour, and the scenic island views from the winery grounds.
While generally permitted, always be respectful of the environment and other guests. Avoid intrusive photography, especially during guided tours.
Morning light can be lovely for exterior shots, while the cave's natural formations are impressive regardless of the time. Consider the lighting inside the winery during your tour.
Drone usage is typically restricted in many tourist areas and islands for safety and privacy reasons. Check local regulations and winery policies before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The winery tour itself is also engaging, offering a simplified explanation of how wine and juice are made, which can be educational for kids. The overall experience is relatively short and contained, making it manageable for families. Consider visiting during weekday afternoons to avoid the largest crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience for your little ones.
💰 Budget Travelers
While on the island, consider packing your own snacks or enjoying more casual dining options to keep costs down. The winery's gift shop also offers affordable souvenirs, including bottles of their famous grape juice, which can be a more economical way to bring a taste of the island home compared to other island purchases.
🍷 Wine Enthusiasts
While the experience is more about the history and the unique geode, it's a great opportunity to learn about winemaking traditions in the Lake Erie Islands region. For a more in-depth wine experience, consider visiting other wineries on the mainland or exploring Put-in-Bay's wine garden for a relaxed sip.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Marvel of the Crystal Cave
The experience of standing within this massive geode is often described as breathtaking. The unique crystalline structures create a surreal and memorable environment. Guides often share the history of its discovery and the geological processes that formed it, adding an educational layer to the visual spectacle. It's a stark contrast to the winery experience, offering a glimpse into the island's natural history.
When visiting, remember that the cave is a natural formation. While photography is usually permitted, it's important to be respectful of the environment and other visitors. The cave tour is typically part of a combined ticket with the winery, making it an excellent value for experiencing two distinct attractions.
A Taste of Island Wine History
Visitors often rave about the tasting experience, where they can sample a selection of their wines, including popular island varieties like Pink Catawba. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, their Concord grape juice is a highly recommended and delicious alternative, enjoyed by both adults and children. The friendly staff, often including knowledgeable tour guides, enhance the experience by sharing insights into the family's long-standing winemaking traditions.
Beyond the tasting, the winery also offers a charming wine garden where guests can relax and enjoy their beverages. It's a perfect spot to soak in the island atmosphere after exploring the Crystal Cave and the winery. The combination of historical significance, quality products, and a welcoming environment makes Heineman's Winery a quintessential Put-in-Bay destination.






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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit